This program has taught me numerous things ranging from how to set well worthy yet attainable goals to how to properly shake someone’s hand. However, I believe the biggest thing this program has taught me is what type of leader I am. Growing up, I never saw myself being a leader. I was a quiet kid who was pretty afraid of rocking the boat. I never believed my words were my strong point. I didn’t think I’d be able to inspire those around me and entice them to listen to what I was saying. However, while a leader does need to know how to effectively with those around him or her, words aren’t the only way he/she can inspire others. You can demonstrate leadership through your actions, whether it be being the first one to clock in and the last one to clock out, using your free time to help others, or just maintaining your composure when things around you seem to be falling apart. To me, an effective leader isn’t just a person that gives the orders; rather, it’s someone who is also willing to work alongside of his or her peers to get the job done. This emphasizes that a leader not only cares about the task at hand but also those who are helping him or her complete said task.

 With this knowledge, I have learned what my strengths and weaknesses are and how I should use this knowledge to my advantage. If I am someone with a servants heart, I should lead by helping and working alongside others. I should be the first one to start the day and the last one to finish. I should have the well-being of my peers in my mind while working alongside them. I should ask those around me what’s going on in their lives and how I can help. If my words alone cannot inspire those around me, let my actions do the talking.
However, this knowledge has also opened my eyes to what I need to improve on: my communication. In most cases, I will not be able to help those around me if I don’t ask how I can be of assistance. I may be able to let my actions be the source of inspiration, but I will have to also be an effective communicator in order to organize and direct those around me. With these strengths and areas of improvement in mind, I hope to lead through servanthood and do whatever I can to inspire others and have a positive effect on my community.